There’s something a bit awkward about writing (which is a form of presentation/communication) about “how to present” material.  It feels like I should be “under the microscope.” (“Did I do this right?”   “I didn’t use the right kind of opener.”  Really, I didn’t.  “Am I staying true to my ActorType?”)  I can only imagine how it must feel to be Robyn Hatcher, author of Standing Ovation Presentations!

When I first heard about the book, I was quite intrigued by the concept, and eager to take advantage of the opportunity to review it.  Standing Ovation Presentations uses character archetypes to differentiate various styles of communication.  We all innately default to different styles, but most public speaking instruction uses a one-size-fits-all approach.  ere, by contrast, the author encourages readers to identify their own styles and study/practice accordingly.

The book begins by showing us why our presentation is important.  (Do you know how much of your communicated message is the actual words you use?  Hint: Read the book and find out!)  Then the nine ActorTypes are introduced.  You will be familiar with most – if not all – of these archetypes as movie/TV/book characters, but you might not have thought of them as “roles” you play in your own presentations.

Mrs. Hatcher shows us what each ActorType “looks like” in this context, explaining the strengths, weaknesses, and quirks of each.  Examples are provided.  Also, if you’re familiar with the DiSC system of personality types, the ones that most closely correspond to each ActorType are provided as additional “clues.” (Be careful with this, though, and keep context in mind.  My primarily presentation style does not correspond to my primary personality type, perhaps because I recognize that the information I have to share is coming from another aspect of myself.)  Tips are also provided specific to each type.

Some things really are universal, and about two-thirds of the book is dedicated to general presentation skills.  I really appreciated that the process of giving a presentation is covered in detail.   The content of the message, from introduction to conclusion, the offering of the message, from what to wear, how to walk onstage and where to hold your hands to how to handle hecklers…everything I can think of is addressed.

Of course, all of this is covered with the ActorTypes in mind, so if a particular technique is especially good for – or to by avoided by – a particular ActorType, that’s mentioned.  More importantly, specific exercises are provided in each of these sections, so you can practice and develop the necessary skills.  I’ll be honest; I haven’t done any of them yet – the book itself was too compelling and I just wanted to keep reading! – but I’m looking forward to doing them, and to sharing them with my daughter.

Which brings me to my final point: this would be an excellent resource for teaching middle schoolers and high schoolers.  Presentation skills are something we often teach during these years; what better way to do so than with a book that honors their differences?  And particularly as homeschoolers, what better way to teach them essential skills while subtly reinforcing that they don’t have to be like Mom (or Dad, if Dad’s doing the teaching) to do well in this area – an issue I would suspect could potentially be pronounced if Mom or Dad is quite outspoken (or just well-practiced) and the student is more timid.

Curious about your ActorType?  Find out here (and then read the book to see how to capitalize on it).